Bogus charity collectors have gone along a street in Sutton and taken bags left out for collection by the British Heart Foundation.

Two men arrived in Milton Avenue at around 9am on Thursday 19th February, and proceeded to make their way along the street collecting up bags left on front steps and in front gardens for collection. These bags would have contained clothing, shoes and possibly jewellery and other items.

Like official British Heart Foundation collectors, they were wearing red tabards. However, one vigilant resident became suspicious and challenged the men, who quickly left the area in their white van. She told police that other residents had their bags taken by the same men.

The British Heart Foundation has confirmed that it was not one of their drivers operating at this time.

June Tumilty, area manager, said drivers in Sutton collect on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Official tabards have the BHF logo on them, and in future their drivers, who are subcontracted for these two days only, will have the BHF logo on the side of the van.

Ken Blair, Chief Executive for British Heart Foundation Shops, said: “All BHF van drivers collecting donated stock for BHF shops carry official BHF identification badges. If a member of the public is unsure whether a collector is genuine we recommend that they contact their local BHF shop by calling 0870 120 4141. If members of the public prefer, rather than leave goods on the doorstep, they can drop any donated items into their local BHF shop, or call 0870 120 4141 to arrange a convenient time for collection.”

The men were aged about 30 and were described as being of Eastern European appearance.

If you have any information that can help police with their enquiries please call Sutton Police station on 0300 123 1212 quoting Reference No. 4002142/09.